During the meeting, Ms. Maylem Lourdes Rivero Silva provided an update on Cuba's power system and shared the challenges faced by the country's electricity sector. Currently, Cuba’s electricity supply primarily relies on oil- and gas-fired thermal power plants. However, most of these plants have been in operation for many years, while maintenance and repair budgets are limited, leading to unstable operations and prolonged power outages.

She also mentioned that Cuba is striving to increase the share of renewable energy in its national electricity mix, particularly solar power, which currently accounts for only about 5% of total electricity production. The goal is to gradually reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In response to the global energy transition trend, Cuba seeks to expand cooperation with international partners, particularly Vietnam, to explore sustainable power infrastructure solutions and learn from Vietnam’s experience in implementing effective renewable energy models.

Meeting between EVN and Cuban Embassy Delegation in Vietnam

EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh emphasized that the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba serves as a strong foundation for comprehensive cooperation in various fields, including energy.

According to EVN leadership, through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company 2 (PECC2) and the Cuban Electrical Union (UNE), EVN is willing to share its expertise, provide technical consultancy, and connect with capable enterprises in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar power.

Furthermore, EVN leadership highlighted the importance of establishing a flexible and effective cooperation mechanism between the two countries' regulatory agencies to facilitate the swift and feasible implementation of cooperation initiatives, ensuring tangible benefits. Key factors for promoting the energy transition and developing a sustainable power system in Cuba include improving the legal framework, attracting investment, and applying technologies suited to Cuba’s actual conditions.

On the Cuban side, Ms. Maylem Lourdes Rivero Silva expressed confidence in Vietnam’s experience and capabilities, while also expressing a desire to expand cooperation beyond the energy sector to include agriculture and manufacturing industries.

Both sides agreed to continue detailed discussions on specific implementation steps to promote cooperation in the near future.

Translator: Hoàng Duy Khánh